All the top brands of guitar available online. The Stratocaster was first produced in early 1954 by Los Angeles engineer Leo Fender, who had tinkered with improving amplified hollow-body instruments since the 1940s. All information is based on Gibson's own documents and literature. * The different stages of evolution of the electric guitar, with detailed speci fications of all models introduced up to 1961. The color is beautiful. It's a Midnight Wine finish. The feel of the neck is next to perfect and the tone qualities are astounding. It's simply easy and fun to play. Following a complete history of this distinctive instrument's development, this book offers extensive portions of interviews with dozens of great guitarists like Dick Dale, Otis Rush, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Buddy Guy and many more. These musicians describe their first experiences with the Stratocaster, why they choose it over other guitars, the individual models they own, and playing techniques that maximize the Strat sound. Who can forget the singular sound of the Everly Brothers' guitar in 'Wake Up Little Susie' and 'By By Love'? It was the sound of a Gibson flat top, one of the finest acoustic guitars ever produced. Great guitars new and used Gibson, Fender, Ovation, Gretsch and Rickenbacker available via the website. "From a technical standpoint, it was a genius invention because it's absolutely practical -- it moulds into the body perfectly. As soon as you hold one, it embraces you," said Smith, an acclaimed jazz recording artist. I saw this guitar at my local music store. Asking the "manager" if I could look at it I already knew it would be mine. It was used, of course, so I only had to pay £250 for it. Extreme Guitar Vintage.